Every year in the UK, more than 200 people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and around 40 people die. Small children and the elderly are most at risk. 1 in 11 boilers in the UK are unsafe. With this in mind I am raising awareness how important it is, to have a Carbon Monoxide detector in the house.
Carbon Monoxide is a tasteless gas. You wouldn’t necessarily notice when you breathe it in. When doing so, this can cause the people living in the house to suffer with long-term illnesses.
We have been having ongoing problems with our own boiler the last few years. When my fiance bought the house, we originally didn’t have any hot water and the boiler just kept making weird sounds. Up until the point where one day on New Years Eve a few years ago it sounded like it is going to blow up. Mainly because it was freezing cold outside.
2 years ago then we decided to buy a new boiler and we haven’t had any problems since.
Last year we had our annual boiler check up. The engineer noticed that we don’t have a carbon monoxide detector. Nobody mentioned this to us before. Luckily we could purchase one off him straight away and placed it on top of our kitchen press. This means we are protected for the future. Of course we hope this won’t happen but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
There are several factors you can look out for, to see if you have a carbon monoxide issue in the house:
– the main cause for this can be that the cooker, heater or central heating boiler was not installed correctly
– Dark staining around the appliances
– increased condensations in windows
If there was a case you detected carbon monoxide, you need to act fast. Turn off all appliances that are connected with this and open all windows and doors. Ring the National Gas Emergency service line immediately on 0800 11 999.
There are 6 main symptoms which are easily mistaken with flu like symptoms:
– Headaches
– Dizziness
– Nausea
– Breathlessness
– Collapse
– Loss of consciousness
To stay safe in your own home, I am collaborating with Corgi Homeplan, to give one of my readers the chance of winning one of their carbon monoxide alarms. Please check out their website for tips and advice on this poisoning gas.
Open to all residents in the UK and Ireland only. The giveaway will close February 1st.
yes x
Yes i was aware.
Yes, I had a working monitor but it has stopped working so this would be so useful.
Yes, and it’s a terrible thing. We have a detector but it’s not as good as this one.
I kind of am but we don’t currently have a monitor.
yes i have
Oh yes too aware.
I’ve certainly heard of it. And as a gas user having one of these detectors in our house makes a lot of sense.
Yes i am aware as work in social housing it is astounding that people still have no knowledge of this dangerous gas
Yes I was aware thanks
I’ m aware of it and the dangers from it
Yes – Thank you
Yes, I am aware. There have been many harrowing stories on the news in the last few years.
Yes, we have one carbon monoxide detector already but I’ve read you should have one by every gas appliance so I really should have another downstairs.
Yes, very bad
We have gas. I get the boiler serviced annually, but don’t have a carbon monoxide detector
Not as much as I should be – excellent blog post
Yes I’ve heard about it.
Yes I am and it does scare me. I think a lot of people are not aware of the dangers. I have a monitor in all the rooms with gas appliances and we just put a gas fire in the office but I still haven’t got a detector there yet.
So important to raise awareness of this as it can be so deadly yet so easy to detect with one of these alarms/monitors! Luckily our house was already fitted with one when we moved in (we rent) and it certainly puts our mind at rest! xx
YES
I am we had a leak in my house when I was smaller
Author
It applies to Oil as well. We don’t have gas either. Everything is electric.
I don’t think people can ever have too many reminders about this, it is just so important. My place doesnt have gas, so it isn’t something I have to worry about, but at work I have three monitors x
Yes i have always known about it and its a little scary having two young boys too x
This kinda scare me. Gosh, it is so toxic and dangerous. Thanks for making us aware about this. I will have to talk to mine for check up.
It’s so important to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and it’s great that you’re raising awareness. It was so sad when carbon monoxide killed some people staying at a hotel in Cork a few years back.
As aware as I can be and I make sure i take the necessary steps xx
Author
It would be the same situation with that. We don’t have gas in the home either. It’s oil we are using and is being filled up by a company automatically every now and then in the whole estate.
yes I know about it.I made my eldest son take a carbon monoxide detector with him when he went to Greece to stay with his girlfriend!
Carbon monoxide poisoning is so scary. We don’t have gas, but we do have oil heating system, and I’m not sure what the dangers are with that.Sometimes it does smell, but at least the Aga’s serviced annually so we can get it checked out
Yes, we have a detector ourselves, but I would like to win one for my in-laws.
Yes, sure. Health and wellbeing comes first..
Very good awareness post, so important to be talked out! Will definitely look out for the signs too, they’re very useful thanks x
Carbon monoxide poisoning is always a big worry to me!! We have a detector ourselves and I always make sure I tell my family and friends they should have them as so many people dont know about them! x
yes, am aware of it and its harmful effects
I am now!
Yes, after reading some very helpful blog posts like yours! Thank you x
We live in a place that is all electronic so don’t have to worry about carbon monoxide poisoning. However I do feel its very important to know about it and I’ll make sure we definitely have a detector if we move to a place which has gas.